Jumpers, anxious to jump into the freezing cold waters of Lake Arrowhead on Feb. 1, are already signing up to take part in the 16th annual PolaRotary Bear Plunge. More than 120 jumpers are expected to take the annual plunge with hundreds of observers cheering them on.
Like a “walk-a-thon,” participants solicit pledges from donors wishing to support the jumper’s chosen 501c3 charity or who just want to see their “friend” go jump in the lake. The Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa again is graciously providing the venue, warm showers and hot beverages to the valiant jumpers and the not-so-brave attendees. The Arrowhead Lake Association has granted special permission and provides waterside support.
The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead organizes the annual event which has resulted in over half a million dollars being raised, most of which goes to local nonprofit organizations. Those organization include the Mountain Communities Hospital Foundation, Mountain Special Olympics, Arrowhead Arts Association, the Mountain Communities Boys and Girls Club, the local chapter of Soroptimist International, Blue Jay Jazz Foundation, the Mountain Humane Society, Rim of the World Educational Foundation, UCLA Mt. Bruins, local churches, mountain Rotary Clubs and others.
Following their plunge, many jumpers warm up in the hot tub at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.
Many of those worthy organizations form teams and jump together in costume. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded to those judged to be the best.
Rotary International is a non-political and non-religious international service organization with over 1.2 million members with clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas dedicated to high ethical standards. Rotary brings business and professional leaders together to provide humanitarian service, and advance goodwill and peace throughout the world.
Chartered in 1949, the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead, through fundraising efforts such as the PolaRotary Bear Plunge and volunteering at the Mountain Thrift Shoppe, supports students in our local schools with books, dental screening, leadership training, speech contests, music competition and approximately $20,000 in scholarships awarded annually.
The club also sponsors one of the Rebuilding Together homes, both financially and as volunteers donating time and expertise on site.
To become recognized as a participant in this fun and very worthwhile event without getting wet, sponsorships are available. Sponsors receive a colorful, professionally made poster to display in their place of business.
For more information about becoming a jumper, to donate to a jumper’s chosen charity or to become a sponsor of the event, visit PolaRotaryBearPlunge.com.
Plunge Chair Patrick Rains who, with his wife Jo Bonita, has jumped into the freezing cold Lake Arrowhead water every year since its inception, jokingly says, “Join us, the more jumpers in the lake, the warmer the water!”
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